Useful information and news

4th February 2019

Faces of The Village

Nik Szymanek

Nik and his wife, Shirley, moved to Boxted 3 years ago. The village ticked all the boxes because there are no street lights and very dark skies which are ideal for Nik’s lifelong interest in astronomy.

He has an observatory in his back garden in which he can take long exposure photographs of the stars and galaxies and has published two books – ‘Shooting Stars’ and ‘Infinity Rising’, which are both guides to astronomical photography. He is also writes a monthly article on photographing the night sky for the UK’s leading astronomy magazine ‘Astronomy Now’ and is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society.

As a member of BBC Weather Watchers his photos of Boxted have been used in the background of the Look East weather forecasts.

Nik makes a strong case for the reduction of light pollution which exists even in rural villages like Boxted where pockets of light pollution exist. Any form of lighting that shines above horizontal is wasteful, incredibly detrimental to wildlife and increases the carbon footprint unnecessarily. Statistics show that glary spotlights do nothing to reduce crime, in some cases quite the opposite. It’s much better to use downward-pointing lighting on a motion sensor so the light only comes on for a short time while it’s needed.

Nik’s other interest is drumming and he plays in the heavy rock band ‘VT11’ which plays local gigs, especially in pubs around Ipswich and Stowmarket.

Nik is happy to give talks on astronomy to any groups or clubs who may wish to contact him. As there is no nearby astronomical society Nik would be interested in starting a local group and would welcome any like-minded persons contacting him:nik@ccdland.co.uk

Photos of the recent Super Blood Wolf Moon eclipse taken in Boxted by Nik from his observatory.
Nil’s work, including photos taken in Boxted, can be viewed on the following links:

Boxted Carpet Bowls Club

The club meets every Friday night from 7 – 10 pm and alternate Tuesday afternoons from 1.30 to 4.30 pm at Boxted Village Hall.

The next Tuesday meeting is on 12th February.

New members always welcome.

Boxted WI

Chinese New Year Cook Off

Tuesday 12 February in the village hall from 7.30 pm.
Boxted Parish Council February Meeting

Wednesday 13 February from 7.30 pm in the village hall.

Langham Ladies

Next meet on Thursday 14 February, 8.00 pm in the Community Centre, when Sarah Knights will speak on Chappel Home Chocolate. For further details on the trip to see Annie, lunch at Colchester Institute’s restaurant and a course on technology contact Gill Brown on 273286.

Road Closure on Straight Road, Boxted

Notice is hereby given that the Essex County Council intends, not less than seven days from the date of this notice, to make the above Order under section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

Effect of the order: To temporarily close that length of Straight Road, Boxted in the Borough of Colchester, from its junction with the centre of Hobbs Drive, east for a distance of approximately 10 metres (Works ref EP00312000718).

The closure is scheduled to commence on 18 February 2019 to 22 February 2019 or where appropriate signs are showing and weather permitting and is required for the safety of the public and workforce works to install new foul sewer connection in association with Section 50 Licence (works to be undertaken in phases).

Boxted History Group

Anglian Clerical Characters

Wednesday 20 February

Boxted Village Hall 7.30 pm

Boxted Airfield Historical Group

Next meets on Tuesday 19 February, 7.30 pm at the Museum, Langham Lane, Langham, when Mike Davis will speak on Aircraft Versus U-Boats in World War 2. Details available from Jeremy on 07885 657255 or jezzyh@btinternet.com

Admission donation £4, includes refreshments and a raffle ticket.

CHILDRENS SOCIETY BOXES

The house collection boxes are now due to be gathered in and their contents counted and sent on to the Children’s Society. The local Children’s Society representatives are: Boxted: Gill Pullen, Tel.273804; Langham: Denise Hobday, Tel. 230918 who will arrange to pick them up.

Thank you to all the kind folks who have collected throughout the year and if you feel you would like a box at home to put odd coins in throughout the year please ask Gill or Denise for one.

Essex Youth Offending Service are looking for projects in the Colchester/Tendring area.

We are currently helping charities, churches and third sector agencies across Essex with jobs such as painting, serving teas/coffees, helping at charity events and we would love to help out more in Colchester and Tendring and surrounding areas! (such as Colchester, Tiptree, Clacton, Harwich, Jaywick etc).

If you have or know of any such project please get in contact!

We are particularly interested in not for profit café’s and also sports related projects such as disability sports, sports in the community.

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Our Village

Boxted is a village and civil parish in the north east of Essex, England approximately 6 miles north of Colchester - close to junction 28 on the A12.

The village comprises pockets of residential areas surrounded by mainly arable farmland. The River Stour flows through the village and delineates the boundary between Essex and Suffolk. Old Boxted falls within Dedham Vale, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

The village boasts a church, a primary school, a social club, village hall, sports pavilion and vineyard. Within the community there is a keen equine interest.